Swimming is a fun water sport for the whole family. However, chlorine is generally added to water in swimming pools to be wary of as an allergy trigger.
Chlorine is very effective as a disinfectant in water, so it is widely used for water purification. As in drinking water, chlorine in swimming pools can kill bacteria and other microbes. Generally, chlorine in swimming pools is a by-product, namely sodium hypochlorite or better known as chlorine.
Can Trigger Reaction Allergy to Skin
Although capable of killing bacteria, chlorine can stick to the skin and hair. Even small amounts of chlorine are often detrimental to the health of skin and hair. In some people, exposure to chlorine in the water in swimming pools can also trigger an allergic skin reaction.
The following are some of the common symptoms of chlorine exposure:
- Red rash on the skin.
- Itchy rash.
- Inflammation of the skin that is painful or stinging when touched.
- Dry and scaly skin.
When a reaction occurs on the skin due to chlorine, the first step that can be taken is to wash and rinse the skin thoroughly. If the allergic reaction on the skin feels very bothersome, then get an antihistamine treatment from a doctor to help relieve the complaint.
Upgrade Risk of Respiratory Disorders
In addition to causing allergic reactions on the skin, chlorine can also trigger asthma or allergies in the respiratory tract. A study revealed that chlorine can trigger allergy symptoms indirectly, because it can irritate the respiratory tract and make it sensitive. This can then cause asthma or other respiratory symptoms due to allergies.
Frequent swimming in chlorinated pool water increases the risk of developing asthma and allergic rhinitis in children with a predisposition to allergies. The longer the time to swim in the pool, the higher the risk of developing allergies.
In addition, chlorine in swimming pools is also at risk of causing disturbances to pregnant women and the fetus they contain. The risks that may be felt are not light, including miscarriage, low birth weight babies, neural tube defects, to urinary tract infections. However, this study is considered to still require further research to prove its validity.
Swimming is one of the family members' favorite types of water sports to stay in shape. However, be careful of excessive chlorine content, especially if you have a tendency to allergies. Call your doctor right away if you experience allergy symptoms after swimming in a pool containing chlorine, or if you experience chlorine poisoning, which can be characterized by abdominal pain, sore throat, vomiting, or bloody stools.
